Posted on 06/03/2005 5:47:31 PM PDT by blam
Syria fires Scuds over Turkey 'to taunt US'
By Tim Butcher, Middle East Correspondent
(Filed: 04/06/2005)
Syria has staged a defiant display of strategic firepower by test-firing Scud missiles for the first time in four years, Israeli security sources said yesterday.
The officials, citing intelligence data, said the missiles, using North Korean technology and designed to carry chemical warheads, were launched last week from northern Syria.
One missile was fired towards the Mediterranean, the Israeli officials said, and broke up over the Turkish province of Hatay, shedding debris over two villages.
Israeli security sources said Syria's attempt to fire a missile over Turkey, a Nato country, was intended as a snub to America.
Washington has led a fierce campaign against Syria over the past year, blaming it for backing insurgents in Iraq and leading the chorus that forced Damascus to withdraw from Lebanon.
It is believed Israel has acquired film footage of the launches, which involved two Scud D variants, with a range of 400 miles, and one Scud B, with a range of 190 miles.
There have been suspicions that Syria has been buying missile technology from North Korea, and Israel will analyse what advances it has made in terms of targeting.
Any evidence that Syria can accurately launch Scud missiles, possibly with air-dispersed chemical weapons, raises dramatically the likelihood of pre-emptive Israeli military action.
When Israel was hit by Scuds launched by Saddam Hussein's regime in 1991, it was persuaded not to retaliate by evidence that the missiles were inaccurate and had modest payloads.
America was silent about the latest Syrian launches, but Turkey confirmed that missile debris had landed around two villages in the southern province of Hatay.
The Turkish foreign ministry said Syria had assured it that the incident was "just an accident'' during routine military training.
I can only recommend that Turkey fire back.
They fire a scud over Turkey and that is suppose to taunt the US? What about the Turkey?
Suggestion for Bashir:
Don't mess with Turkey. They're Nato grade, without the Mr. Rogers personality.
Stupid is as stupid does.
'Accidentally', of course.
Too bad you're not in a decision making position in Turkey. I second your motion anyway.
The Turkish foreign ministry said Syria had assured it that the incident was "just an accident'' during routine military training
I hope that Turkey doesn't really fall for that. Otherwise Syria will be conducting "test shots" on a regular basis.
In reply to Syria's charge of US/Israeli complicity in
the massive and unexplained explosions in the Bekaa valley,
the US and Israeli representatives were quoted today as
saying the incident was "just an accident'' during routine military training.
Let's just get it over with...start bombing Syria flat, then Iran a few hours later and cruise missles over NKorear...
Everyone thinks we're the bad guys already, we're NOT going to change the dummy template so let's just DO IT!! While we still have President Bush and whatever will we can muster...let's call these animals out and show them we're done pussy footin' around.
To all those appeasers, 'effin Kerry them all!
G
Actually it was Iraq not Afghanistan
Look what Boy Assad did now..
Syria gets it... our lame duck administration can't do anything about what Syria does. It's all politics.
Correct. Sorry. I'm still so disgusted with them I can't think straight.
raises dramatically the likelihood of pre-emptive Israeli military action.
Why should Turkey "fire back"?
Sadly, you may be right but W doesnt need to worry about 2008.
If you are Syria would you be willing to play chicken with this "lame duck" President.....who took down two countries?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.